“Just Breathe!" for Wendy Woolridge.

In 2013 at the age of 39, Wendy was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension. It's a disease doctors don't know the cause of, and which has no effective cure other than transplant. This was the beginning of Wendy’s continued lifelong health battle. In 2016, Wendy was a successful double lung transplant recipient and gifted her second chance in life.

Unfortunately, the two most common complications following lung transplantation are infection and rejection. 9 years post transplant, battling COPD and decreasing lung functions, Wendy now faces the courageous fight for a second double lung transplant.

Toronto General is Canada’s largest transplant program, performing over 600 transplants every year, as well as provide world-class follow-up care to over 7,000 transplant recipients across Canada. Transplant programs are not provided in Newfoundland therefore Wendy and her support person are required to relocate closer to the hospital to wait for her transplant. Living closer to the hospital allows her to participate fully in the pre transplant exercise program and visit to the transplant clinic regularly. Being seen on a routine basis by the transplant team allows them to follow Wendy’s progress closely. When a lung becomes available time is critical and she will have 2 ½ hours to get to the hospital from the time of called. Relocation is required.

Waiting times can be unpredictable. No one knows when the “call” for the transplant will occur. Matching with the donor depends on blood type, lung size, and other criteria. As a prior lung transplant recipient, Wendy’s criteria are more limited. It is not easy to leave the familiar comforts of your home, family, and friends. Wendy is now facing these challenges for the second time.

As many of you know, Wendy is an incredibly selfless person that has positively influenced countless lives. For those who do not know her personally, first she is a mother. Her entire purpose in life is to her son Kenneth. Second, Wendy is a longstanding volunteer providing countless hours to her son’s sporting organizations and combined with her love for teaching has always aimed to create a place for thousands of kids to learn, grow, and have a place of safety and belonging. Wendy is independent doing all of this on her own. Originating from Mount Pearl, Wendy has made GFW her home the past 25 years and has always gone above and beyond for the entire community. Now it’s our turn to be there for her. Wendy will be out of province for a long time as she focuses on her transplant surgery and recovery.

The weight of this transplant is crushing, but if there’s one thing, we all know, it’s that Wendy is a fighter. We refuse to lose hope. We refuse to back down. This heartbreaking journey not only comes with an emotional toll, having a transplant has an impact on your finances.

I, along with family are doing what we know... bringing people together... We are asking for your help as relocation expenses to Toronto, medical expenses, treatments, and the long road ahead are overwhelming. Let’s rally around this incredible woman and give Wendy every chance for a second miracle. If you can donate, share, or simply send love and prayers, you are making a difference.

Transplantation cannot occur without the generosity of others. Organ donation within Canada is an altruistic act, based on the kindness and generosity of the donor family. It is gift that is made by the donor’s family with no strings attached. Donation is a decision made by the family in a time of profound grief and sadness. Thank you just doesn’t seem enough.

“He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything.” ~Arabic Proverb